I forsee a low-end version: still AWD and still 3.5L H6, but no supercharger and no active front & rear differentials. This means no more fancy-pants push-button modes for the AWD and ABS either. But it still would have mechanical (clutch-type) front and rear LSDs and make at least 230HP. More importantly, it would go for around $30k. Drop the active suspension and now you're talking $26k.
On the high end there's no need for even more than 300HP and all the tasty bits I mentioned before-- but there's room for leather, a big moonroof, heated seats and mirrors, and a premium entertainment system. So this version goes for $40k or so. The original $35k has no fluff just all the good mechanical stuff to keep the price down.
If you recall, I posted something similar a week or so ago, from a Subie salesman from Hagerstown, MD. He had driven both an '02 and '03 Limited, back-to-back. He also said the suspension was noticeably different from the '02 model.
Someone with better html knack will be better than me to decipher this thing, but seeing another www site (www.candieandzack.com) in the url makes me suspicious. In fact, my WallWatcher is reporting this site as www.candieandzack.com, not www.caranddriver.com
Searching on the susposed writer (Larson Wilson) of the story yields no results either. But, if you look up a writer of another story (Daniel Pund for example), you get search results. In fact, the search doesn't even work from that link. I was only able to search by bringing up a new car and driver page. Looking at the source from View|Source in IE, you'll notice code for Honda S2000 in it for some buttons.
reference from the URL and get the same page. And the Candie whatever site has info on someone's WRX. I didn't get into the site at all, but I saw that much. Looks like a very beautiful and elaborate hoax.
about a week ago. Believe me, I was starting to copy the link to post here. It was pretty good until I noticed a few problems, like using their/there incorrectly, and I think there was one other mistake, stuff that wouldn't get past the real editors. Sorry.
I figured out it was a fake only based on this "..Best news of all is the expected price: $37,000, to which dealers are limited from the factory from charging more than.. " The factory never limits dealers on pricing and that grammar is worse than mine.
Dennis - The torque split of a max of 50/50, is the same thing that Patti posted here a while back. Some folks are saying VTD can go up to 85% rear, but that's based on some Japanese web site (SOJ??) about one of the twin-turbo Legacy's.
I'm sure if you go through and analyze the article, there will be other "tip-offs" that it's fake too. It had me going for a while though. The guys over on the I-Club figured out it was a fake immediately.
I bunked it because of the 'spoofing' it was doing with the C&D left nav, not because of the content. Gotta admit the grammar is not 'professional' either.
I was thumbing through ESPN magazine, and found an ad for the '03 WRX!
At least I think was was for an '03 model, as the ad was designed along the lines of the '03 Forester and Outback ads I've seen. In any event, it was obviously part of the same "ad package" Subaru is now using, even though no model year was mentioned.
From what I could tell, the car looks exactly the same as the '02 model. The only question marks were the wheels (they were blurred in the photo), and the star oval on the grille (too small to see clearly). No new info in the text of the ad either.
Which Suzuki engines would power Subarus? I'm guessing small-displacement N/A types for cars like the Pleo and Sambar that aren't available in North America.
Outside the Justy and 360, what other Subarus have been offered in this market without a horizontally opposed four?
according to the UK's CAR magazine is nothing more than a 4WD re-badged version of the Suzuki Swift.
BTW, CAR absolutely HATES the Justy. Can't say that I blame them. It's long overdue for being replaced with a modern "true" Subie, something along the lines of the HM-01 concept.
until SubieGal, who is a moderator in the News and Rumors section, chimed in and agreed. Is it just me, or is it stating to look like Subaru is trying to adopt a world-introduction corporate philosophy? Like Ford tried to do with the Mondeo. I thought that was a great idea that never happened. Sure seems like a worldwide introduction of a product reduces the logistics of carrying several "versions" at the same time.
'03 Legacy brochure I stopped by my local Subie dealer today, and they just got in the '03 Legacy brochures. They didn't, however, get the '03 Outback brochures yet, or actual cars. Details:
• Models are: 2.5 GT, L Special Edition, and L. The 2.5 GT is like current GT Limited and L SE is much like current base GT.
• I had heard from several sources of the new Legacy getting an upgraded suspension, as the recently announced Japanese and Aussie version did, however there was no mention of this in the new brochure. Interestingly, there was also NO mention of a sport-tuned suspension for the GT. I wonder if they all got the "same" upgraded suspension?
• 2.5 GT gets VDC and Sport-Shift with the automatic. It also gets new alloys, the All-Weather Package, and a 6-disk in dash changer. The radio is new too.
• The L/SE gets the wheels from the current GT.
• All get a new grille and front bumper.
• There's now a dealer-installed roof rack option for sedans. This is new!
Late 2002? Hope so, but I honestly doubt it. The 2003s just got here, and I've noticed local dealers' pricing hasn't yet approached the 2002s.
They'll wait until demand cools, and then intro the turbo. My guess is same time next year, what was it, late April?
Sedan roof rack? Cool.
I read the L std equipment list carefully, to see what we missed. The single CD is not a loss, given we got a steal on a 6CD. The wife would have liked lit vanity mirrors, but the map lights seem to work. We put an add-on on the passenger side, though. Keyless we got as an option, so no big loss.
I would definitely have looked at the L/SE model, though. Depending on price, but I bet it's a solid value. 16" rims and the moonroof. If it's priced lower than the 2002 GT, it would be worth it.
I read through the "body copy" on the spread dealing with suspensions in the new '03 Legacy brochure, and it did mention that the suspension had been "retuned;" still no mention of "Sport Suspension," however.
All new L models also get body-colored side rub strips, and door handles too. Also, all new Legacys share the same grille this year.
Click on the Legacy or Outback links for info. Interestingly, while there's no mention of a Sport Suspension in the new brochure, it is mentioned in this press release. Also, good news in that the All-Weather-Package is now standard on all Legacy-Outbacks.
I noticed, in the new brochure, that the 2.5 GT automatic gets 2 mpg less than other H-4 Legacy automatics, both city and highway. I bet it's due to the 45/55 power split of the VTD setup.
If I recall correctly, the new Legacy L automatic gets 1 mpg better than last year's model, both city and highway.
If it really only does a 50:50 split max, isn't that pretty useless in terms of being different from a 45:55??? I know someone psoted this once, how much does the manual go to from 50:50, to 80:20 or something?
I guess 55 rear gives it a slight performance feel ??
I posted that the manual can go up to 90/10 - 10/90. This was in response to an email I sent to the Tech dept. (or something along those lines) of Drive magazine.
I wonder if the legal dept. is making SoA withold information? In the press release of the new Legacy posted on the Subaru Media site, they go into great detail about VTD. Of course, they don't mention the max split of it.
That should be a question for the next SoA Senior Exec. chat. If there is another one. :-)
I found this over on the I Club. I've never seen this image before. From what I can see, I like the headlight treatment better than the current version. I guess we'll find out in September.
"Best Car," the Japanese magazine, reportedly good for getting scoops, according to the I-Club poster of this image. Anybody ever hear of it, or know their web site URL?
Reminds me off all of the spy pics that came out before the Impreza was redesigned. None of them looked like the Impreza really looks. And almost daily, people on the i-club are still posting them as "new" pics.
Legacy 7/10/02 press release "Subaru Realigns and Refines Legacy Model Line for 2003" (link on www.media.subaru.com) does say that the Legacy GT retains the sports-tuned suspension.
Stopped by a local dealer, and they got nine new '03s today, of which I only was able to see one. It was a new Outback VDC wagon, in MistGreen Pearl, a new color that replaces Wintergreen. It looks almost the same as Wintergreen.
Comments
I forsee a low-end version: still AWD and still 3.5L H6, but no supercharger and no active front & rear differentials. This means no more fancy-pants push-button modes for the AWD and ABS either. But it still would have mechanical (clutch-type) front and rear LSDs and make at least 230HP. More importantly, it would go for around $30k. Drop the active suspension and now you're talking $26k.
On the high end there's no need for even more than 300HP and all the tasty bits I mentioned before-- but there's room for leather, a big moonroof, heated seats and mirrors, and a premium entertainment system. So this version goes for $40k or so. The original $35k has no fluff just all the good mechanical stuff to keep the price down.
-Colin
Bob
Can we guess as to who owns the rights to the Borrego drawings?
-Brian
Here are their impressions:
o Sport Shifter is nice, not as good as a some of the other ones out there (it auto-upshifts rather than bounces off the rev limiter)
o Fit and finish is excellent
o Suspension is significantly upgraded from previous GT and GT limited models
o New rims looks better than the old ones.
That's all I could get out of them.
-mike
If you recall, I posted something similar a week or so ago, from a Subie salesman from Hagerstown, MD. He had driven both an '02 and '03 Limited, back-to-back. He also said the suspension was noticeably different from the '02 model.
Bob
Bob
http://www.caranddriver.com-roadtests-xml-9943.34543.23423.643.WRX2200-Preview.TestSample-Images.22.324.5435.643@www.candieandzack.com/C-D%20Preview%20--%20PREVIEW%20TEST%20Honda%20S2000%20Page%201.htm
In any case, without a doubt, this has to be the wildest Subie rumor I have ever seen, bar none!
Bob
Searching on the susposed writer (Larson Wilson) of the story yields no results either. But, if you look up a writer of another story (Daniel Pund for example), you get search results. In fact, the search doesn't even work from that link. I was only able to search by bringing up a new car and driver page. Looking at the source from View|Source in IE, you'll notice code for Honda S2000 in it for some buttons.
So, IMO, this is a nice dream.
-Brian
http://www.candieandzack.com/
Still—what a great concept!
Bob
Jim
The factory never limits dealers on pricing and that grammar is worse than mine.
Dennis - The torque split of a max of 50/50, is the same thing that Patti posted here a while back. Some folks are saying VTD can go up to 85% rear, but that's based on some Japanese web site (SOJ??) about one of the twin-turbo Legacy's.
-Dennis
Bob
-Brian
At least I think was was for an '03 model, as the ad was designed along the lines of the '03 Forester and Outback ads I've seen. In any event, it was obviously part of the same "ad package" Subaru is now using, even though no model year was mentioned.
From what I could tell, the car looks exactly the same as the '02 model. The only question marks were the wheels (they were blurred in the photo), and the star oval on the grille (too small to see clearly). No new info in the text of the ad either.
Bob
-mike
Don't tell me it's fake, let me dream a little. That is exactly what I want - a WRX roadster to replace the Miata.
I'd "settle" for 227 horses and VC AWD. Keep that price down to earth.
-juice
Outside the Justy and 360, what other Subarus have been offered in this market without a horizontally opposed four?
Ed (showing my naivete)
Though I doubt we'll see any of those. I'd rather not see a clone of the Swift here. If it's an HM-01, with a Suzuki engine, maybe.
-juice
BTW, CAR absolutely HATES the Justy. Can't say that I blame them. It's long overdue for being replaced with a modern "true" Subie, something along the lines of the HM-01 concept.
Bob
Speaking of which, can anyone point me to a newer one? Mine still has the old Forester and Impreza.
We both liked the HM-01. For such a small car, it's actually interesting.
I used to own a 1986 Chevy Sprint (Suzuki clone), and that thing was a tin can. Efficient, though.
-juice
Jim
-Colin
Jim
Bob
I stopped by my local Subie dealer today, and they just got in the '03 Legacy brochures. They didn't, however, get the '03 Outback brochures yet, or actual cars. Details:
• Models are: 2.5 GT, L Special Edition, and L. The 2.5 GT is like current GT Limited and L SE is much like current base GT.
• I had heard from several sources of the new Legacy getting an upgraded suspension, as the recently announced Japanese and Aussie version did, however there was no mention of this in the new brochure. Interestingly, there was also NO mention of a sport-tuned suspension for the GT. I wonder if they all got the "same" upgraded suspension?
• 2.5 GT gets VDC and Sport-Shift with the automatic. It also gets new alloys, the All-Weather Package, and a 6-disk in dash changer. The radio is new too.
• The L/SE gets the wheels from the current GT.
• All get a new grille and front bumper.
• There's now a dealer-installed roof rack option for sedans. This is new!
Impreza redesign news
http://www.REXilla.com/
Bob
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
They'll wait until demand cools, and then intro the turbo. My guess is same time next year, what was it, late April?
Sedan roof rack? Cool.
I read the L std equipment list carefully, to see what we missed. The single CD is not a loss, given we got a steal on a 6CD. The wife would have liked lit vanity mirrors, but the map lights seem to work. We put an add-on on the passenger side, though. Keyless we got as an option, so no big loss.
I would definitely have looked at the L/SE model, though. Depending on price, but I bet it's a solid value. 16" rims and the moonroof. If it's priced lower than the 2002 GT, it would be worth it.
But it's minor stuff. No regrets here.
-juice
All new L models also get body-colored side rub strips, and door handles too. Also, all new Legacys share the same grille this year.
Bob
Click on the Legacy or Outback links for info. Interestingly, while there's no mention of a Sport Suspension in the new brochure, it is mentioned in this press release. Also, good news in that the All-Weather-Package is now standard on all Legacy-Outbacks.
Bob
So now the Legacy L, L SE, WRX and Baja are the only Subies without the engine size as noted in their "official" names.
Bob
So, the base Outback has the AWP. I wonder how pricing will change.
If they make a point of saying 2.5 GT and 2.5 XS, then will we get a 3.0 GT or 3.0 XS?
-juice
Bob
-juice
If I recall correctly, the new Legacy L automatic gets 1 mpg better than last year's model, both city and highway.
Bob
I know someone psoted this once, how much does the manual go to from 50:50, to 80:20 or something?
I posted that the manual can go up to 90/10 - 10/90. This was in response to an email I sent to the Tech dept. (or something along those lines) of Drive magazine.
I wonder if the legal dept. is making SoA withold information? In the press release of the new Legacy posted on the Subaru Media site, they go into great detail about VTD. Of course, they don't mention the max split of it.
That should be a question for the next SoA Senior Exec. chat. If there is another one. :-)
-Dennis
Bob
http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=213561
-Colin
Thanks!
Bob
Bob
-Dennis
Feilo
Bob
Bob